London, 1868- Westminster

"The World is a game my dear, and true players are those who win. Everyone else is expendable, and the losers- they lie six feet in the earth below you. In this game there is no room for losers."

.:+:.

"Monster!"

Your consciousness jerked from the wash of shadow twirling about your mind, your head lifting from the desk as you struggled to shake away your exhaustion again.

You rubbed your hands against your face and let out a sigh, swallowing against the incoming sensation in your ragged throat that would lead to coughing.

Unsurprisingly, the sound of the fighting going on on the floor below you still raged on, whistles, shouting and cheer as men groaned in pain and anger in the ring. Your eyes slowly cast toward the candle on the edge of the desk, and the wax dripping into the basin slowly. You must have dozed off without meaning to, and only for an hour or two from the looks of it.

Damn it.

You pushed your hair back from your face and slowly got to your feet, your legs shook a little in protest and your head spun a moment, causing you to stop and lean against the desktop with your hands, head bowed a moment and eyes closed.

Your attention moved toward the small steaming cup of liquid set on the desk near you, blinking you slowly lift the still warm drink to your nose and breathed in the sweet, herbal smell that flowed from the cup.

Tea.

You smiled slightly, wondering faintly who had come in and brought you it- two people came to mind, but it mattered very little.

You took a sip, the warm liquid trickling down your aching and burned throat with a somewhat pleasant, somewhat painful sensataion. Your fingers wrapped around the cup as you held it lightly to your lips in near silence a moment, the noise from downstairs seemed to fade to nothing.

For a small brief moment all your thoughts and wonderings seemed to fade to nothing, and your mind revelled in the sudden, blissful emptiness of it.

You took a few more drinks from the cup and gently set it back down on the desktop half empty. You moved away from the desk and toward the door on the opposite end of the study, turning the knob you stepped inside and sighed.

Betrayed....from someone on the inside.

The next room had a few more shelves fill of books, and a chest in the corner. There was also a small bed and a dresser, as well as a desk stacked with various items of various caliber and use.

You unbuckled the straps about your neck and moved across toward the dresser, untying the tie that held your hair up and slowly working the braids loose, as your (H/C) hair tumbled about your shoulders in a gentle river.

.... Someone who managed to go behind my back... And warn Adelain, or Athernette that I was looking into that warehouse....

You began to unbuckle the straps around your torso and on your gauntlets, sliding the twin blades from your arms and setting them down on the top of the dresser. Your (E/C) eyes moved up toward the mirror set atop it, locking onto yourself as you shrugged your overcoat from your shoulders.

.. Hmph... You suppose you did look awful.

Damn it.

You started unbuckling and removing the leather corset about your torso and all other bits of armor you had on over your simple white shirt, removing your belt you set that on the table as well. You set your weapons down across the bed as well.

You continued on until you were in nothing but your shirt, your pants and your boots. You rolled up your sleeves as you leaned against the dresser with your hands and let your eyes close, your hair falling about your shoulders and neck as you hung your head a little.

Your eyes opened slightly to slowly trace the faint scar stamped to the skin on your upper right forarm, and grimaced slightly at the shape it resembled clearly.

Then you glanced toward the fresh line running across your other arm- among many others since being hit by flying shards and wood and glass in the warehouse, but this one- this one was thanks to Jacob. It was the hit he had managed when you first introduced yourself to the twins.

You smiled just faintly, and stepped away from the dresser.

You still stunk of the filth of the Thames, and you attributed some of the pounding in your head toward that.

You moved toward yet another door that lead out of the room, slowly unbuttoning your shirt as you moved toward it, casting a small glance outside you saw the sun was almost set.

Evie should be returning soon to deliver the documents you had requested... But you would rather freshen up before meeting the elder Frye.

Hopefully the documents she brings will shed some light on what I need do next....

Hopefully.

.:+:.

You stepped from the sideroom out into the study, wearing now a different overcoat that was black and trimmed in crimson, with a clean, fresh white shirt underneath. You had also chosen to switch out the boots you had previously been wearing, as the soles had started to thin from the extensive amount of walking and climbing you were used to. Along with those, you had replaced your armor, belt, and weapons.

You had braided your hair back and pinned it up again as well, as well as cleaned and bandaged the cuts and scratches you had gained from the warehouse explosion.

The important thing was you looked less haggard now than you had, and no longer carried with you the distinct, yet somewhat subtle stench of the Thames.

The sound of the fight club below you filtered back into the back of your senses as you stepped into the study once more, you moved back toward the desk.

You lightly took the tea back up, still lukewarm, and moved across toward the railing over looking the ground floor. Your eyes moved across the bustling and crying crowds as you remained on the lookout for Evie Frye, in the reports you had given her earlier you had requested she deliver the documents here.

You slowly began finishing your tea as you kept searching the crowds a moment, before your attention moved over toward the ring.

"Ladies and gentleman! Gather round, gather round!" Mr. Topping called, lightly jumping atop a table near the edge of the ring as he raised his voice above the roaring of the crowds.

"I know you've all been waiting for a good show tonight!" Topping called, moving in small steps up and down his perch upon the table, everyone's eyes in the building suddenly turned toward him. "The lads so far have been amusing to watch, but I think we need a fight that we will all really remember, eh?" The crowd shouted in pleasure and agreement around him, he smirked slightly. "I am sure all you honored guests will enjoy our next contestant!"

Robert Toppings eyes swiftly moved upward to catch yours, directing your attention to him as he smirked at you. You smiled just slightly, nodding your head to him just slightly to show you were listening- and that as usual, he was doing his job well. He wasn't your employee, no- but he did abide by your rules while under this roof, you did own the building after all.

"(F/N)."

You glanced sideways at the voice, smiling slightly as your eyes landed on Evie, who nodded her head at you and stopped just to the side.

"Ah, Evie." You smiled, "I trust everything went well?"

"As well as can be expected. Though there was some sort of commotion that broke outside the station while I was there." Evie replied as her hand reached into her coast as she produced a set of folded papers toed in a string, she lightly handed them your way. You blinked once at the mention of a commotion, you hadn't been aware of any conflict brewing near the station beforehand, you'd have to have Hector or one of your other workers collect some information on what happened- but that was for later.

You reached forward and took the documents from her easily, smiling slightly as you dipped your head her way.

"Many thanks," you murmured lightly. "I have little doubt these will prove useful in my research. You've done me a great favor, Evie. I won't soon forget it."

"My pleasure." Evie replied lightly. "Are you feeling alright?" You blinked as she tilted her head toward you slightly. "You certainly look better." She added, you smiled slightly giving her a small nod.

"I do, you needn't worry yourself about me." You replied quickly, you didn't like being looked after, or having an eye kept on you. And you certainly didn't want anyone consciously worrying over your health either. Too much attention put you on edge.

"Have you by chance seen my brother?" Evie murmured, catching your attention where you had been about to turn your attention to the ring below you. You glanced back her way, blinking once at the sudden question. You tilted your head just slightly,

"You've still not seen him since before our excursion?" You asked, your voice giving way to your slight surprise for a small moment. Evie shook her head, a small sigh escaping her lips as she leaned against the railing with her hands.

"Its not unlike him to go disappearing for a few days, I just had thought I would have run into him by now." Evie sighed, sounding exasperated and even a little annoyed... But you heard something else in her voice. Something it seemed she tried to mask, maybe out of stubbornness or pride... But it was concern.

She hid it well, Evie... But she was concerned about what had become of her brother. And it worried her how he had seemed to disappear just after the warehouse debacle.

You blinked once, your eyes resting on Evie as she simply looked down at the fight going below. You were becoming increasingly interested in what had become of Jacob Frye now, seeing how long he seemed to be gone. Perhaps he had done as you asked of him, and turned his attention to the Soothing Syrup. And for it he was busy, out and about chasing down sellers and distribution of the foul concoction.

A small corner of your mind also had you wondering if perhaps Jacob had been affected as you had by the fire and the gas. When you had left him he seemed quite alright, and you had done your best to make sure he didn't inhale any of the gas you had seen, but still you wondered.

Hmm, wondering about Jacob Frye. It seems to be becoming a habit.

"I'm quite sure Jacob is out causing fights and drinking his time away, he usually is. I wouldn't worry over his whereabouts." You told Evie lightly, you didn't catch her gaze as you looked away and she glanced toward you again. You waved a hand lightly, tucking the tied together documents under your arm. "I assure you nothing awful has befallen him, I would have heard about it. He'll be back at your hideout before you even realize it."

Evie's eyes seemed fixed on you, looking slightly searching for a moment. Evie blinked at what you said, and how calm you seemed to be on the matter. She wasn't sure why you seemed to have faith in Jacob's safety, especially if it was clear you had no idea where he was.. So your certainty shocked her.

But for whatever reason, there was suddenly a sort of innate sense in Evie, and she trusted your words nearly instantly. She nodded slightly, smiling just faintly as her freckles pulled and she glanced away again, stepping back from the railing and crossing her arms behind her back.

"I suppose you're right." She murmured, you nodded slightly. She turned toward you, her icy blue gaze settled as you glanced her way, "I'll be returning to see if Mr. Green has made any progress in the documents we received from the Kenway mansion." You nodded,

"Thank you again, Ms. Frye." You murmured,

"I think I should be the one thanking you." She replied, "It was at your suggestion that I search the Kenway mansion, after all." You shrugged slightly,

"It was my pleasure." Evie nodded slightly and turned on her heel, making her way back down the stairs with a small goodbye called over her shoulder. You watched her go, smirking slightly to see she avoided the gaze of Robert Topping as she passed near to him- you chuckled, having heard how Topping and Ms. Frye first met one another.

Say hello to Henry for me, Evie.... You smirked at the thought. Oh it was amusing, and somewhat adorable.

The crowd below you was growing louder, though you hardly gave it any attention. You pulled one of the folded papers Evie had given you from under your arm, opening it with your thumb you leaned against the railing with your elbows and set to read it.

A manifest of the people Adelain has working under her.... You smirked wryly, your (E/C) eyes tracing over every name, imprinting them on your mind. You read across the scribbled and slanted print that you knew and recognized all too well to be the hand of Ms. Hrothgur.

You'd have to send some of your people to tail these names, they may lead you somewhere splendid.

Perfect.

So immersed in your small victory you hardly cared nor noticed the floor below you was absolutely roaring now, accompanied by the sound of fists slamming against bodies in rapid succession.

Adelain dear, you really should learn to never write such things down unless you intend to keep them with you at all times. You never learn.

"No!!!!"

"The bloody hell?! How many was that?!?!'

"Say hello to our new champion, ladies and gentlemen!!"

You tucked the paper back into the stack, still smiling as the noise below grew all the louder. You began to turn away, intent on heading toward your desk again.

"Oh?! It seems you have more challengers! I'm sure you won't disappoint Mr. Frye!"

You stopped, your eyes widening slightly as the voice of Robert Topping reached you from the shouting and the cheering of the floor below you.

You must be joking.

You turned back toward the railing slowly, eyes narrowed and fingers wrapping about the bundle of documents a bit more tightly.

After everything, disappearing, and clearly disregarding your request for him to continue with Starrick's Soothing Syrup, he wandered about and came here? Of all places?

When in the bloody hell did he get here anyway?!

You leaned over the railing slightly with your elbows, your hands wrapping about your arms lightly. There was a blur of bloodied and bruised bodies moving about and lying in the ring, with one blur in particular that was moving between the moving bodies. Your eyes narrowed to see flashes of a raven and a cross tattooed across his chest, his eyes glinting and smirking slightly as he worked to beat the advancing enemies around him into submission with what looked like the utmost ease.

He looked like he was having a grand old time.... You couldn't help but smirk a little yourself.

He was positively brutal.

Those Blighters that jumped in over the edge of that ring did so at their own expense. Jacob was working his way through them steadily, moving with quick, violent blows that broke bones and splattered blood across the floor of the ring. You could hear their arms being shattered as Jacob made his way through the sorry lot, you could hear their screams and moans of pain and agony even above that of the crowd as all your attention turned toward the fight.

Despite yourself, you found that you were rather enjoying the violence, as a smirk grew across your face and the smell of blood, sweat, fear, rage, and pain wafted up from the floor below you.

Don't look so pleased, it's unbecoming.

Oh, but this is entertaining.

In the most sadistic of ways perhaps.

Sod it if it's sadistic, we both know this is what I like most about my job.

Violence.

You smirked, shaking your head at yourself slightly as you watched intently.

Whether or not you would tell him directly, Jacob was a splendid fighter, though perhaps not as good as you in your better days... But he was certainly splendid. You did enjoy watching him work away,

Now if only his behavior was as refined as his fighting skills. Perhaps things would have less chance of getting out of hand that way....

... That wasn't likely to happen, at least not anytime soon. You were however a little concerned, Jacob didn't seem to take his actions into account or the consequences that could become of them.... You were certain some day his behavior would bite him in the ass, and the outcome would surely be unpleasant.

... Perhaps he'll get someone killed he shouldn't...

..... Or someone will get him killed should he place faith in them where he shouldn't have.

Your grip about your arms tightened a moment, your eyes narrowed as your smirk faded.

Some day... his world will cease to be as he has been seeing it.

You sighed and shook off the thoughts. Another time with that.

With a cry of pain and a sudden uproar of the crowd, Jacob dispatched the last of his challengers. He smirked, his eyes scanning the crowds as Robert hopped into the run, looking pleased as he should- Jacob was sure to bring in a lot of coin with his fights.

"Ladies and gentleman!! Our Champion!!"

Jacob's keen dark gaze swept over the heads of the crowd with little interest, his signature smirk on his lips and looking so very alive and energetic despite the obvious bruising and blood from those few and far hits he had taken. His eyes moved quickly, before flicking upward, for a moment he seemed slightly surprised, before intrigue set in, his eyes glinting as they caught yours, and he smirked a little more.

You let out a breath, allowing a small amused smile to grace your lips as you dipped your head toward the Frye in silent acknowledgment.

.. One day... His world will tip and he'll realize not everything is a game...

You smirked a little more, your (E/C) eyes glinting, for the first time in a long while since meeting you, Jacob saw that spark of amusement and merriment alight in you again.

... But for now, I'll let you revel in your fun, and you can continue playing this little game, Jacob.

.:+:.

Small Chapter before we jump into the next (darker) bit.

Thanks for reading guys! Votes and Comments are always appreciated!